ARTICLES

October 10, 2012

Lindsey Vonn Wants to Ski with the Boys

Screen shot 2012-10-10 at 11.48.24 AM

Words by Danica Baker |

The name Lindsey Vonn to any woman in the world-wide ski community means strength, determination and badass super woman. She has won four overall World Cup championships as of this year, not to mention a gold medal in the 2010 winter olympics in Vancouver. As far as World Cup victories, she is only nine short of breaking Austria’s Annemarie Moser-Proell’s record of 62 victories.

And now, Ms. Vonn would like a chance to race against the best male ski racers in the world at the World Cup season’s opener in Lake Louise, Alberta. She has written a letter to the International Ski Federation (FIS) asking permission to break new ground by skiing in the November 24 downhill race. Now the United States Ski & Snowboard Association must file a formal request to the FIS. There are a few hurdles to consider as well. If the request is accepted, Vonn will miss the opportunity to pick up points at the competition in Aspen that same weekend. The women’s first speed races of the season are being held at Lake Louise the week after the men’s races, which could be in violation of the World Cup rule Article 14.2: ‘No training shall be allowed on World Cup racecourses during the last five days prior to first training run or competition.’ According to the New York Times, Vonn has said she would be willing to forgo two of the practice runs before the women’s race. She also said she would not race in the men’s downhill, if she is prohibited from racing in the women’s as well.

I want to know what you think. Is she taking away from or adding to the image of women’s ski racing? And what are your next steps to push yourself to your personal next level? Follow Lindsey on Twitter @lindseyvonn  for updates on whether or not she gets to race with the boys this November.

*Danica Baker writes for the women’s action sports community as the Ski Bumette. She is a self proclaimed southern girl playing in the Rockies, living in a Dude’s world, and writing about adventures in the great outdoors.


 



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